Best Place To Live, Work, and Play Tennis in Florida?

Just turned 50, recently ended a four year relationship, so I am finally looking to leave Pittsburgh and move to Florida. I have my sights set on Naples, due mainly to a friend who is a tennis pro that I used to take lessons with when he lived in Pittsburgh. He has been in Naples since 1998 and loves Naples and said that he could hook me up with all the good players at my level, and said that I am at the perfect age to really enjoy the life style in Naples.

Any thoughts on other areas in Florida to consider or do you think Naples would be a great choice, particularly since I can be introduced to the tennis crowd pretty quickly and develop a nice network. I would be in some type of medical sales, with an interest of teaching tennis part time.

What appeals to me about Florida and hence Naples is: 1) weather-days of sunshine and no winters-play tennis outdoors year round. 2) economy-when things improve seems to be more opportunities to make a nice living in Florida. 3) tennis and golf-since tennis is my passion, like being in a place that it is so active. 4) overall ambience-ocean, palm trees, cleanliness, restaurants/nightclubs, music, ect. 5) attractive single woman who are active-would prefer to meet someone who plays tennis also, along with golf , and enjoys working out.

Depends - Naples would seem a good destination given your criteria - it is quite conservative (re WASPY, no offense meant), on the older side demographically and sort of boring so as long as that does not bother you - would work. I like going there occasionally to relax.

Naples is great for the country club lifestyle. If you have the cash, then by all means do it. You will enjoy it very much. I am 20 years younger, so my 2 places I'd want to be are here (orlando) or Lauderdale. Miami is a distant third.

I think I saw a few years ago that Naples was the 10th wealthiest City or County in the country. As some of our South Florida counterparts mentioned, it is an older more conservative crowd of people than you'll find over on the East coast. So as mentioned before, if you have the cash, it could be a great place to retire for you.

If you were 70 then Naples. Go for Sarasota....great beaches, great tennis, great area, nicer people.

Naples has a creepy feel to me, the people mostly nasty old farts....visit both for a week before you decide.

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My tennis pro friend said if he wasn't in Naples, he would live in either Sarasota or Delray Beach. I would have no problem living in Sarasota, but I don't know anyone, where my tennis pro friend could get me hooked up quickly in Naples with the tennis crowd. I have been to Naples and 10-15 years ago tended to be mostly older, retired folks but my friend says things have changed somewhat and younger crowd has moved in as well.

My tennis pro friend said if he wasn't in Naples, he would live in either Sarasota or Delray Beach. I would have no problem living in Sarasota, but I don't know anyone, where my tennis pro friend could get me hooked up quickly in Naples with the tennis crowd. I have been to Naples and 10-15 years ago tended to be mostly older, retired folks but my friend says things have changed somewhat and younger crowd has moved in as well.

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I hear you, it is nice to know someone. If you want, go to City Data Forum, seems like almost everyone hates Naples, from the drivers to the isolation from most of FL.

Anyway, sounds like your friend likes it so it can't hurt for you to try it out.

But unless your buddy knows them, I don't think there are many single women in Naples between 35-50. A lot of 55 plus year old divorcees and lots of older widows though. Yes some younger families are moving in....but that makes you an age sandwich between the 30 somethings with 2 kids and the very old people.

If you did try Sarasota, you could join Longwood Athletic Club or Sarasota Bath and Tennis.....both are great tennis first clubs but have pools and fitness centers. Very easy to hook into the tennis crowd there. Plenty of nice people who will introduce you around. Just saying Sarasota is much younger, more night life with Tampa not far away. Lakewood Ranch Athletic Club also has tons of people in your age range.

Just my 2 cents but Sarasota is taylor made for you....except your buddy would be 3 hours south.

Sounds like you've pretty much settled upon Naples. Sounds good to me. I have a brother in Bradenton, which is just adjacent to Sarasota. We were just down there over July 4th.

It's very nice, and Naples should be pretty similar, I guess. There are a lot of wealthy people down there. Many of them are boat enthusiasts (boat nuts, I call them). But then, you have tennis nuts down there as well.

That part of the country was really hit hard by the recent economic slump. Seems houses that were selling for around 500K a year ago are now going for more like 350K.

You should take a trip down there before you make a decision, right?

Newly divorced at 50? I did that. My brother's doing that now. Here's the most sincere advise I can give you: If you get tired of being single at that age, consider exploring the Asian wife option. I did. One of the best decisions I ever made.

I've down to Boca and Del Rey beach and Ft. Lauderdale .. I would say out of those 3 ,Boca has the best country club living for golf and tennis... it's easy to get around and it has some newer shopping areas that are quite convenient ..

I've down to Boca and Del Rey beach and Ft. Lauderdale .. I would say out of those 3 ,Boca has the best country club living for golf and tennis... it's easy to get around and it has some newer shopping areas that are quite convenient ..

Naples and Sarasota are nothing alike. The median age of Naples is 61, the median age of Sarasota is 40.

The cities entire feel is dictated by their vastly different demographics. Literally driving in Naples is like being stuck on a busy road with 10000 grandmas and grandpas who go where they want, when they want, and are as cranky and rude as can be. Imagine your grandparents on their worst days, and multiple by 200000.

I would highly advise the OP to read up on Naples on City Data Forum and visit for a few weeks.

His buddy may indeed have a nice self contained set up with a family and tennis students and tennis club. Thus he does not deal with Naples on a daily basis.

But for a 50 year old single guy who wants to get out and enjoy an area, meet new people, day to day Naples living is something to try before committing to. I am telling you it is a bizarro world down there!

Naples and Sarasota are nothing alike. The median age of Naples is 61, the median age of Sarasota is 40.

The cities entire feel is dictated by their vastly different demographics. Literally driving in Naples is like being stuck on a busy road with 10000 grandmas and grandpas who go where they want, when they want, and are as cranky and rude as can be. Imagine your grandparents on their worst days, and multiple by 200000.

I would highly advise the OP to read up on Naples on City Data Forum and visit for a few weeks.

His buddy may indeed have a nice self contained set up with a family and tennis students and tennis club. Thus he does not deal with Naples on a daily basis.

But for a 50 year old single guy who wants to get out and enjoy an area, meet new people, day to day Naples living is something to try before committing to. I am telling you it is a bizarro world down there!

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I like Sarasota also but you are over-stating the case against Naples IMO. It really is not that bad. As I said, I like spending an occasasional weekend there.

Hi guys, I hope someone can help me. I will be spending five to six weeks in Florida during the month of November and December. I have not decided exactly where in Florida, all I know is that it will be somewhere in the southern part of Florida. I am looking for a destination where I can play a lot of tennis. I am middle aged, level 4.0 – 4.5, my wife is a 4.0 but she is not as keen on tennis as I am. I normally play with guys who are my age some that are older than me and some that are half my age, so age is not an issue as long as they can play tennis. I am hoping to stay in an area that is close to an active tennis club/tennis courts that offers drop-in doubles on a regular basis. The Ft Lauderdale area has been suggested to me by a number of people who have never been there. I hope someone with a better knowledge of Southern Florida can help me.
Thanks in advance
Octavianus

Hi guys, I hope someone can help me. I will be spending five to six weeks in Florida during the month of November and December. I have not decided exactly where in Florida, all I know is that it will be somewhere in the southern part of Florida. I am looking for a destination where I can play a lot of tennis. I am middle aged, level 4.0 – 4.5, my wife is a 4.0 but she is not as keen on tennis as I am. I normally play with guys who are my age some that are older than me and some that are half my age, so age is not an issue as long as they can play tennis. I am hoping to stay in an area that is close to an active tennis club/tennis courts that offers drop-in doubles on a regular basis. The Ft Lauderdale area has been suggested to me by a number of people who have never been there. I hope someone with a better knowledge of Southern Florida can help me.
Thanks in advance
Octavianus

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Hey there,
Contact me at dradic011@hotmail.com.
I play about 5 times per week (38 yo) and am about your level 4.0/4.5. Additionally, I know of MANY people in my area (Boca Raton) that are our level and love to play.

South FL (Deleray Beach to Miami) is definitely the area you want if you plan to combine pleasure, fun, tennis, etc. Ft. Lauderdale sounds like a good spot as it is right in the middle of the area I mentioned (about 20 miles south of Boca, 25 miles north of Miami), offers a great accommodation and night life for all ages.

The Everrett Tennis (Holiday Park, off Sunrise Blvd) is a great place to play tennis and offers both, clay and HC access)...

Any additional inputs, let me know.

Dan

PS. I am arriving Toronto this Sunday, but will be in Waterloo Sunday - Thursday...

I hear you, it is nice to know someone. If you want, go to City Data Forum, seems like almost everyone hates Naples, from the drivers to the isolation from most of FL.

Anyway, sounds like your friend likes it so it can't hurt for you to try it out.

But unless your buddy knows them, I don't think there are many single women in Naples between 35-50. A lot of 55 plus year old divorcees and lots of older widows though. Yes some younger families are moving in....but that makes you an age sandwich between the 30 somethings with 2 kids and the very old people.

If you did try Sarasota, you could join Longwood Athletic Club or Sarasota Bath and Tennis.....both are great tennis first clubs but have pools and fitness centers. Very easy to hook into the tennis crowd there. Plenty of nice people who will introduce you around. Just saying Sarasota is much younger, more night life with Tampa not far away. Lakewood Ranch Athletic Club also has tons of people in your age range.

Just my 2 cents but Sarasota is taylor made for you....except your buddy would be 3 hours south.

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Thanks for the input TennisCoachFla-I definitely would prefer an area that has a plethora of attractive single women 35-52 if possible. Hows the talent in Sarasota-you seem to think there are more woman in my age range in Sarasota vs. Naples. Where do you live? One advantage for me living in Sarasota is it would be easier to cover a sales territory north if I need to go to Georgia or the Carolina's.

I have heard the people tend to be nicer in Sarasota, not so snooty as perhaps Naples but that often depends on how you come across to them. Either place would be great and quite an improvement over Pittsburgh for sure. I am sure I could meet the tennis players fairly quickly once I pick a good club to join and start playing.

Sounds like you've pretty much settled upon Naples. Sounds good to me. I have a brother in Bradenton, which is just adjacent to Sarasota. We were just down there over July 4th.

It's very nice, and Naples should be pretty similar, I guess. There are a lot of wealthy people down there. Many of them are boat enthusiasts (boat nuts, I call them). But then, you have tennis nuts down there as well.

That part of the country was really hit hard by the recent economic slump. Seems houses that were selling for around 500K a year ago are now going for more like 350K.

You should take a trip down there before you make a decision, right?

Newly divorced at 50? I did that. My brother's doing that now. Here's the most sincere advise I can give you: If you get tired of being single at that age, consider exploring the Asian wife option. I did. One of the best decisions I ever made.

Good luck. Have fun!

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Bee, I didn't get a divorce, we were just dating and living together. I like your Asian wife idea-did you go online and bring one over or meet her locally? Prior, to my last girlfriend, I dated an Asian doctor from Seoul, Korea-great time and a lot of fun-I wish I was still with her!

Hey there,
Contact me at dradic011@hotmail.com.
I play about 5 times per week (38 yo) and am about your level 4.0/4.5. Additionally, I know of MANY people in my area (Boca Raton) that are our level and love to play.

South FL (Deleray Beach to Miami) is definitely the area you want if you plan to combine pleasure, fun, tennis, etc. Ft. Lauderdale sounds like a good spot as it is right in the middle of the area I mentioned (about 20 miles south of Boca, 25 miles north of Miami), offers a great accommodation and night life for all ages.

The Everrett Tennis (Holiday Park, off Sunrise Blvd) is a great place to play tennis and offers both, clay and HC access)...

Any additional inputs, let me know.

Dan

PS. I am arriving Toronto this Sunday, but will be in Waterloo Sunday - Thursday...

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Thanks for the invitation, I am looking forward on meeting you and your tennis friends. The area sounds great, I will send you an email prior to departing for Ft Lauderdale. Hopefully my wife does not decide to spend our holidays elsewhere.
Thanks for the quick response and invitation, enjoy Waterloo it’s a nice little city.
Cheers
Octavianus

Thanks for the input TennisCoachFla-I definitely would prefer an area that has a plethora of attractive single women 35-52 if possible. Hows the talent in Sarasota-you seem to think there are more woman in my age range in Sarasota vs. Naples. Where do you live? One advantage for me living in Sarasota is it would be easier to cover a sales territory north if I need to go to Georgia or the Carolina's.

I have heard the people tend to be nicer in Sarasota, not so snooty as perhaps Naples but that often depends on how you come across to them. Either place would be great and quite an improvement over Pittsburgh for sure. I am sure I could meet the tennis players fairly quickly once I pick a good club to join and start playing.

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Sarasota is beautiful. I have been contemplating a move but shy away from FL due to lack of very good job opps. (may not be well founded concern). If you already have a job and can live anywhere, Sarasota is very nice. My parents have a place a few minutes south and I love it! You'll be able to find attractive/fit ladies in that age range for sure!

Thanks for the invitation, I am looking forward on meeting you and your tennis friends. The area sounds great, I will send you an email prior to departing for Ft Lauderdale. Hopefully my wife does not decide to spend our holidays elsewhere.
Thanks for the quick response and invitation, enjoy Waterloo it’s a nice little city.
Cheers
Octavianus

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We can get the wives together to go shopping while we enjoy the tennis game
I go to Waterloo once a month (approx) - RIM

You need to visit the Panhandle before making a decision. Between Seaside and Ft. Walton Beach. The most unique part of florida, very different from the South and Central FL. But then again, we don't need the secret getting out either...

You need to visit the Panhandle before making a decision. Between Seaside and Ft. Walton Beach. The most unique part of florida, very different from the South and Central FL. But then again, we don't need the secret getting out either...

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True. The ba$****o offspring of the California coast and the Deep South. Let's put it this way, it is in the Mobile Alabama DMA. I went to Destin last year and fell in love with it. Cola to Cola (Apalachacola to Pensacola).

You need to visit the Panhandle before making a decision. Between Seaside and Ft. Walton Beach. The most unique part of florida, very different from the South and Central FL. But then again, we don't need the secret getting out either...

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I don't think most outsiders realize how different the three regions of Florida are.

True mikeler. I enjoy SF, Central, all the different areas from Marco to Tampa, east central, JAX etc etc. And they're all a little different, just the Gulf Panhandle is REALLY different from the rest, not necessarily better, depending on preferences.

IlM, the redneck riviera is mostly Panama City but Rosemary to Destin is pretty upscale generally. Got my boat drystacked in PC and its great to mix it up there about once a week. The American spectrum at its best across the region.

True mikeler. I enjoy SF, Central, all the different areas from Marco to Tampa, east central, JAX etc etc. And they're all a little different, just the Gulf Panhandle is REALLY different from the rest, not necessarily better, depending on preferences.

IlM, the redneck riviera is mostly Panama City but Rosemary to Destin is pretty upscale generally. Got my boat drystacked in PC and its great to mix it up there about once a week. The American spectrum at its best across the region.

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Even in SF, the lifestyle is different depending on what coast you are on. It really all does come down to personal preference.